The Varieties of Viney Indoor Plants

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The Varieties of Viney Indoor Plants

Vines are most frequently seen outdoors trailing over trellises and gateways, but there are some varieties that may be grown indoors as houseplants. Indoor vine plants add height, texture and color to an interior space, and may be trained to grow over wire or spread out through the home.

Rex Begonia Vine

Rex begonia vine (Cissus discolor) is a tropical vine that boasts showy, heart-shaped leaves and red tendrils. The variegated leaves of the plant are a rich dark green marked by crisp, white patterns and a red underside. Rex begonia vine is a popular indoor vine that may be trained to grow into a variety of shapes. When grown indoors in containers, the rex begonia rarely reaches heights above 3 feet. Plant in a well draining soil, and place in a slightly shaded or indirect sunlight. Water frequently, enough to keep the soil moist to the touch, but water very little during the winter. Place the plant outdoors in the summer if possible to soak up some natural sunlight.

Mexican Creeper

A member of the buckwheat family, Mexican creeper (Antigonon leptopus), also called confederate vine or coral vine, is a frost-tender, perennial, flowering vine native to Mexico. The plant sports delicate, light green leaves and dense clusters of flowers, which may appear in summer or fall. Flowers may be pink, white or a pinkish red, depending on cultivar. Mexican creeper is a vigorous grower when planted outdoors, but is quite manageable as an indoor container vine. It does best in bright, indirect sunlight and a well draining soil. Though Mexican creeper likes to be watered frequently, it is quite drought tolerant and can handle a fair amount of neglect.

Bougainvillea

Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spp.) is a flowering vine that hails from South America. A member of the four o' clock family, bougainvillea is notable for its box-shaped, brightly colored bracts, which have a paper-like texture. Bougainvilleas vary in color and may be seen in shades of purple, pink and red. The colorful plant does well as an indoor container plant so long as it is given good soil. A rich, moist loam is ideal, though the plant is adaptable. Fertilize up to three times throughout the year to promote flowering, but avoid fertilizing (or heavy watering) during the winter. Place bougainvilleas indoors in sunny, bright locations for best results.

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Michelle Wishhart is a writer based out of Astoria, Ore. She has been writing professionally for five years, starting with her position as a staff arts writer for an alternative weekly paper in Santa Cruz. She has a B.A. in fine arts from the University of California in Santa Cruz and a minor in English literature.